1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your Olympus VN-8000PC Digital Voice Recorder. Please read these instructions carefully before using the device and retain them for future reference.

Figure 1: Olympus VN-8000PC Digital Voice Recorder. This image displays the Olympus VN-8000PC Digital Voice Recorder. The top section features the Olympus logo and an LCD screen showing 'STOP' status, 'Remain 67H01M45s' recording time, and battery indicator. Below the screen are control buttons including STOP, REC, OK/MENU, volume/navigation (+/-), ERASE, SCENE, and FOLDER/INDEX. The bottom part of the device has a white speaker grille.
2. Setup
2.1. Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the device.
- Slide the cover to open it.
- Insert two (2) AA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment. Note: Batteries are not included with the device.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
2.2. Initial Power On
After installing batteries, press and hold the POWER button (if available, otherwise the STOP button) until the LCD screen illuminates. The device may prompt you to set the date and time or select a language upon first use.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. Controls Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main controls:
- REC (Red Button): Starts and pauses recording.
- STOP (Square Button): Stops recording or playback. Also functions as the power button.
- OK/MENU: Confirms selections or accesses the menu system.
- +/- Buttons: Adjusts volume during playback, navigates menu options, or adjusts recording level.
- Rewind/Fast Forward Arrows (◀◀ / ▶▶): Skips tracks or fast forwards/rewinds during playback.
- ERASE (Yellow Button): Deletes selected files.
- SCENE: Selects recording scene modes (e.g., Conference, Dictation).
- FOLDER/INDEX: Navigates between folders or adds index marks during recording.
3.2. Recording Audio
- Press the REC button to begin recording. The REC indicator will light up.
- To pause recording, press the REC button again. Press it once more to resume.
- To stop recording, press the STOP button. The recording will be saved automatically.
3.3. Playback
- Navigate to the desired file using the FOLDER/INDEX and arrow buttons.
- Press the OK/MENU button (often doubles as Play/Pause) to start playback.
- Adjust the volume using the +/- buttons.
- Press the STOP button to end playback.
3.4. Using Scene Select
The Scene Select function optimizes recording settings for different environments. Press the SCENE button to cycle through available scene modes such as 'Conference', 'Dictation', or 'Meeting'. The device automatically adjusts microphone sensitivity and other parameters to capture the best sound quality for the selected environment.
3.5. Connecting to a PC
The Olympus VN-8000PC features USB 2.0 connectivity for easy transfer of audio files to your computer.
- Ensure the voice recorder is powered on.
- Connect the voice recorder to your PC using a compatible USB cable (not included).
- The device will appear as a removable storage drive on your computer.
- You can now drag and drop recorded WMA files to your PC for archiving, editing, or sharing.
4. Maintenance
4.1. Cleaning
Wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the device's finish or internal components.
4.2. Battery Care
Remove batteries if the device will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage and potential damage. Replace batteries promptly when the low battery indicator appears on the LCD.
5. Troubleshooting
- Device does not power on: Check if batteries are inserted correctly and are not depleted. Replace with fresh AA alkaline batteries if necessary.
- Poor recording quality: Ensure the microphone is not obstructed. Try adjusting the Scene Select mode to match your recording environment. Ensure you are within optimal range of the sound source.
- Cannot connect to PC: Verify the USB cable is securely connected to both the recorder and the computer. Try a different USB port on your PC. Ensure the device is powered on.
- Cannot erase files: Check if the file is protected. Refer to the menu options for file protection settings.
- Display is blank or frozen: Remove and reinsert the batteries to perform a soft reset. If the issue persists, contact customer support.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Olympus |
| Model | VN-8000PC |
| Memory Capacity | 1 GB |
| Maximum Recording Time | Up to 421 hours (LP mode) |
| Battery Type | 2 x AA Alkaline batteries |
| Battery Life | Up to 51 hours (recording) |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Compatible Devices | PC |
| Display Size | 10.9 cm (diagonal) LCD |
| Microphone | Integrated, Stereo |
| Audio Format | WMA |
| Weight | 204 g |
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Olympus website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.